should I consolidate my loans?

[Steve Butabi]

I have about 9000 from undergrad, got a phone call from student direct or something, they want me to consolidate my loans, supposedley ensuring a locked low interest rate. whould I do this? what does you guys know about dis?

[AH]

If oyu cnsolidate now, then all future loans ill be left out (so you'll have to consolidate again after law school).  Plus, they only consolidate government loans, private loans aren't.  So, if you consolidate now, you'd end up sending in at least 2 loan payments a month (plus provate loans).  Just something to think about (why I'm not consolidating now).

[xindogu]

I also have federal loans. If I return to school, do the payments get put on hold? Or do you have to keep making the payments for the undergrad loan while you are in law school?

[AH]

Federal loans (stafford) don't have to be paid while in school, but you need to make sure you contact your finaid office and lender to get the proper procdure notifying them you're in school.  However, depending on the type of stafford loan, it will or will not accrue interest.

[xindogu]

Thanks for the advice, arhodg.

[AH]

NP.  Financial matters are always really complex.  I hate that studens loans are an area where I have enough first hand experience to provide some insight.